Isaiah 1:18
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no
matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you
as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as
crimson, I can make you white as wool!
The Living Bible copyright
© 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House
Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Thanks
to Pinterest and posts on Facebook, I have a new favorite stain
remover. It’s a concoction of 3% hydrogen peroxide, water, and a few
drops of Dawn® dish soap! For things like shower grout and other tough
stains, I found a recipe that also adds baking soda. I mixed all of
these ingredients in a spray bottle that I purchased at Dollar Tree®. A
few hours later, I heard this little hissing sound in my laundry room.
The “power” of this mixture caused the plastic to swell and spring a
tiny hole…and the cleaner was spraying out onto the counter!
I
moved the cleaning solution to a sturdier container, and I made a mental
note that this was obviously strong stuff! I love to spray the shower
tile and watch the grout brighten – with little to no scrubbing. When
Zola spilled ketchup down the front of her dress, I sprayed the
peroxide/Dawn mixture on the stain, dabbed at it with a damp cloth, and
all traces of ketchup totally disappeared. It feels good to know that I
am able to clean even the deepest of stains and not harm the soiled
surface – or the environment. And this solution smells fantastic!
I
am amazed that a combination of ingredients that will clean shower
grout, remove ketchup stains and more, and disinfect in the process is
also incredibly gentle. I feel safe using it around children and
pets…and confident that things are really clean. If you stop and think
about it, you could apply this to Jesus. He is the most gentle, loving,
kind and caring Friend we will ever know…and yet, He can make all of
our sins disappear with a whisper. He can literally wash us as white as
freshly fallen snow or lamb’s wool. It doesn’t matter how old or deep
the stain is…or how huge and ugly the blemish appears…Jesus can erase it
all with His powerful yet gentle touch.
It doesn’t matter who
you are or how hard you try…I’m willing to bet you have at least one
stained garment in your closet or drawer…and a stain or two of sin on
your heart. We are human, imperfect…in need of a good washing from
Jesus Christ. And He is the ultimate “Stain Remover.”
There is
no need for us to be martyrs…to carry our sins and blemishes around
like some sort of “badge of shame.” Jesus is ready, willing and able to
remove them all. He’s waiting…with arms wide open…saying, “C’mon…let’s
talk this over. I can fix things.” Aren’t you ready to let Him? Will
this be the day that you truly “come clean?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label releasing sins and burdens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label releasing sins and burdens. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 7, 2014
Isaiah 55:6-7
Turn to the Lord!
He can still be found.
Call out to God! He is near.
Give up your crooked ways
and your evil thoughts.
Return to the Lord our God.
He will be merciful
and forgive your sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few days ago, a friend of mine posted a video of a baptism she performed in her church. She wrote... “God has truly blessed us through this church and her people. Had a steeple dedication this morning and baptized a couple that has been married 73 years. Met on the lawn of the church. He is 94 and she is 90. They have been attending for years and joined the church today. Words cannot express my joy....Thank you Jesus.”
This reminded me of my grandmother’s “companion”, whom she met after my grandfather died in 1984. My grandparents were married almost 52 years. When my grandfather left us, Mam-ma Polly was incredibly lonely. She “kissed a few toads” before she began “keeping company” with Delbert, who everyone called “Deb”. Mam-ma Polly and Deb were inseparable for about seven years. They never married and maintained their own homes...but they did everything together. She cooked breakfast for him at one of their houses, and then they would “garden” or visit others, shop together, and more for much of each day. They both returned to their respective houses many afternoons for a nap before sharing dinner and “Wheel of Fortune” or “Lawrence Welk” together...and three nights a week, they danced at a local social hall. On Sundays they attended church services together.
Deb became like a second grandfather to us. He endeared himself to all of us, and we grew to love him. He was tremendously supportive to Mam-ma Polly when my brother Tim died...and again 13 months later when my dad – her only son – left us for heaven. And then Deb got sick. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Over the course of several weeks, he took some radiation treatments that left him weak and tired, and Mam-ma “nursed” him as best she could.
Here’s the kicker...this sweet, generous, kind and loving man had never given his heart to Jesus. He attended church services with Mam-ma on Sundays, but he really didn’t know much about the Bible...or how much God loved him. He did not have any understanding of spending eternity in heaven at the feet of Jesus. I’m pretty sure Deb knew he had sins in his life...but he did not realize that Jesus could – and would – forgive him of them. Mam-ma Polly set in to change this!
My grandmother began talking to Deb about Jesus...and heaven. She told me that one night as she and Deb sat on the couch, she fell to her knees and - through her tears - she told him, “I don’t think I can bear it if I get to heaven and you’re not there.” She shared with Deb once more how easy it was to ask Jesus to forgive his sins and invite Him to live in his heart...and Deb did exactly that.
This 87-year-old man had served in the Army in Germany during WWII, where he found himself behind enemy lines for several days at one point - and once related to Greg how he felt the “whoosh” of a German bullet as it passed by his ear. Deb had lived all these years without the peace of Jesus in his heart. He had married, reared three children, faced the death of his wife and countless loved ones, and endured a myriad of life experiences...all without the confidence that Jesus was guiding his steps. I am convinced that Jesus poured out His grace and mercy over Deb...that He had His hand on this situation all along...that He placed my grandmother in this man’s path to lead him into a relationship with Jesus – and assured that we will all see him again someday in heaven.
Even though he was sick, Deb was like a “new man”...because he truly was. I bought him a Bible, and as his body betrayed him, he read the scriptures and was renewed. As I sat with him on his last earthly day and held his hand, I knew that Jesus was there...holding him tenderly and ushering him fully into His presence. And as I read my friend’s post about the 90-something couple in her congregation, I was once again reminded...as long as we draw breath, it.is.never.too.late. God can still be found. He will be merciful and forgive our sins, through the blood of Jesus.
My prayer today is two-fold...1) that we would not spend decades without Jesus...that we would turn to Him sooner, rather than later, and walk in His amazing grace and mercy; and 2) that we would take a page from my Mam-ma Polly’s book...that we would “fall to our knees” and make every effort to bring those in our midst into their own personal relationship with Jesus. I pray that we would make sure that heaven is FILLED to overflowing with God’s children...that we would never waste an opportunity to extend the grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and kindness of Jesus Christ to others.
Take some time today to look around you and see who needs to feel the grace and mercy of Jesus...and where He needs you to be the vehicle to convey this. Turn to the LORD...seek His wisdom...share His love with others. It is never too late!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Turn to the Lord!
He can still be found.
Call out to God! He is near.
Give up your crooked ways
and your evil thoughts.
Return to the Lord our God.
He will be merciful
and forgive your sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few days ago, a friend of mine posted a video of a baptism she performed in her church. She wrote... “God has truly blessed us through this church and her people. Had a steeple dedication this morning and baptized a couple that has been married 73 years. Met on the lawn of the church. He is 94 and she is 90. They have been attending for years and joined the church today. Words cannot express my joy....Thank you Jesus.”
This reminded me of my grandmother’s “companion”, whom she met after my grandfather died in 1984. My grandparents were married almost 52 years. When my grandfather left us, Mam-ma Polly was incredibly lonely. She “kissed a few toads” before she began “keeping company” with Delbert, who everyone called “Deb”. Mam-ma Polly and Deb were inseparable for about seven years. They never married and maintained their own homes...but they did everything together. She cooked breakfast for him at one of their houses, and then they would “garden” or visit others, shop together, and more for much of each day. They both returned to their respective houses many afternoons for a nap before sharing dinner and “Wheel of Fortune” or “Lawrence Welk” together...and three nights a week, they danced at a local social hall. On Sundays they attended church services together.
Deb became like a second grandfather to us. He endeared himself to all of us, and we grew to love him. He was tremendously supportive to Mam-ma Polly when my brother Tim died...and again 13 months later when my dad – her only son – left us for heaven. And then Deb got sick. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Over the course of several weeks, he took some radiation treatments that left him weak and tired, and Mam-ma “nursed” him as best she could.
Here’s the kicker...this sweet, generous, kind and loving man had never given his heart to Jesus. He attended church services with Mam-ma on Sundays, but he really didn’t know much about the Bible...or how much God loved him. He did not have any understanding of spending eternity in heaven at the feet of Jesus. I’m pretty sure Deb knew he had sins in his life...but he did not realize that Jesus could – and would – forgive him of them. Mam-ma Polly set in to change this!
My grandmother began talking to Deb about Jesus...and heaven. She told me that one night as she and Deb sat on the couch, she fell to her knees and - through her tears - she told him, “I don’t think I can bear it if I get to heaven and you’re not there.” She shared with Deb once more how easy it was to ask Jesus to forgive his sins and invite Him to live in his heart...and Deb did exactly that.
This 87-year-old man had served in the Army in Germany during WWII, where he found himself behind enemy lines for several days at one point - and once related to Greg how he felt the “whoosh” of a German bullet as it passed by his ear. Deb had lived all these years without the peace of Jesus in his heart. He had married, reared three children, faced the death of his wife and countless loved ones, and endured a myriad of life experiences...all without the confidence that Jesus was guiding his steps. I am convinced that Jesus poured out His grace and mercy over Deb...that He had His hand on this situation all along...that He placed my grandmother in this man’s path to lead him into a relationship with Jesus – and assured that we will all see him again someday in heaven.
Even though he was sick, Deb was like a “new man”...because he truly was. I bought him a Bible, and as his body betrayed him, he read the scriptures and was renewed. As I sat with him on his last earthly day and held his hand, I knew that Jesus was there...holding him tenderly and ushering him fully into His presence. And as I read my friend’s post about the 90-something couple in her congregation, I was once again reminded...as long as we draw breath, it.is.never.too.late. God can still be found. He will be merciful and forgive our sins, through the blood of Jesus.
My prayer today is two-fold...1) that we would not spend decades without Jesus...that we would turn to Him sooner, rather than later, and walk in His amazing grace and mercy; and 2) that we would take a page from my Mam-ma Polly’s book...that we would “fall to our knees” and make every effort to bring those in our midst into their own personal relationship with Jesus. I pray that we would make sure that heaven is FILLED to overflowing with God’s children...that we would never waste an opportunity to extend the grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and kindness of Jesus Christ to others.
Take some time today to look around you and see who needs to feel the grace and mercy of Jesus...and where He needs you to be the vehicle to convey this. Turn to the LORD...seek His wisdom...share His love with others. It is never too late!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2014
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you ever tried on clothing or a pair of shoes that didn’t feel quite right…then someone suggested that you try another size, and it felt so much better? The fit was more “you”…in fact, it was perfect! That’s exactly how it is with a life in Christ. Jesus fits each of us perfectly. Notice that He doesn’t claim to give you a burden-free life. Jesus promises us burdens that are lighter and easier to bear – because He does the heavy lifting!
Nobody likes to wear shoes or clothing that doesn’t fit. So why are you putting up with a life that is overly burdensome and uncomfortable? Come to Jesus…let Him do the heavy lifting. Wear His yoke instead of the ill-fitting one you’ve been dealing with…and find rest for your soul in the process.
©2014 Debbie Robus
“Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you ever tried on clothing or a pair of shoes that didn’t feel quite right…then someone suggested that you try another size, and it felt so much better? The fit was more “you”…in fact, it was perfect! That’s exactly how it is with a life in Christ. Jesus fits each of us perfectly. Notice that He doesn’t claim to give you a burden-free life. Jesus promises us burdens that are lighter and easier to bear – because He does the heavy lifting!
Nobody likes to wear shoes or clothing that doesn’t fit. So why are you putting up with a life that is overly burdensome and uncomfortable? Come to Jesus…let Him do the heavy lifting. Wear His yoke instead of the ill-fitting one you’ve been dealing with…and find rest for your soul in the process.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2014
1 Peter 1:3
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla was telling me how frazzled her daughter Molly is these days. Molly is the working, single mother of three children…and they are all going in different directions. She has been driving her oldest son to a night-time “band camp” this week to prepare for his entry into high school band next fall. The two younger children are involved in gymnastics classes. Marla said that when she visited recently, Molly’s kitchen table was littered with applications for a number of summer camps. She said, “It’s all about to drive Molly crazy!” And many of you can relate.
Even if you don’t have three children and a job, you may have a “to-do” list that seems insurmountable. I can remember days when I worked full-time and was so frazzled and exhausted by all that I had to accomplish that I woke up thinking, “If I can get through this day, in 10-12 hours, I can go back to bed!” Does this sound familiar?
What if our spiritual life was like this? In the Old Testament, we read about making blood sacrifices for our sins. If you think people in Biblical times had it easier, think again! They didn’t have cars, microwaves, smart phones, computers, or even running water (at least your average Joe didn’t!). So in addition to toting water…hunting and killing – or growing – their food…gathering fire wood…protecting their property and their physical body from the elements, predators and enemies… and even the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B…they had to select the purest lambs, carry them to the high priest, confess their sins, then kill the lamb with a knife and spill its blood in atonement! Whew! Makes me tired just to type all of this!
I’m thankful for all of our modern conveniences. But I am even more thankful for the blood of Jesus that bought and paid for my sins - once and for all. Now understand, this is not a “given”…we cannot just assume that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and go on with our merry lives. We must humbly confess before God that we are sinners. We must ask for His forgiveness. We must request the gift of eternal life by the blood of Jesus. THEN He will bestow it! And we’re not done…we still have obligations. We must be good stewards of our gift of Salvation in Jesus.
We have to live in a way that honors this gift and truly demonstrates our desire and efforts to enjoy a life free of sin. But “resting in the LORD” is so much more peaceful and soothing than constantly worrying and examining your life and rushing to a priest with a living sacrifice. Even more importantly, once we confess our sins and vow to follow Jesus, we are free of the “after-burden” of our sins. We don’t have to carry the added weight of picturing a precious lamb suffering, quite literally, under the knife of our transgressions…and the knowledge that we will have to repeat this act over and over and over throughout our lives.
Acceptance of Jesus’ gift of salvation allows us to rest in His love and to concentrate our time and energy on other things…like serving Him and loving others – and enjoying the new life that He has given us! Our new life in Christ won’t take all of the tasks off of our “to-do” list. We will still have jobs, spouses, kids, family obligations, civic duties, and ministries to tend. But we will not have the heavy burden of sin looming over our heads. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is HUGE!
Summer is a time when we often think of a slower, more relaxed pace…afternoons lounging in a porch swing or hammock…sunny days spent playing in the water…the fun and camaraderie of a baseball game…camps and vacations…and so much more. Let this summer be the one that you leave behind the burden of sin. Truly humble yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you…to wash you in the blood of His sacrifice…and be done with it, once and for all! Rest in His hope; relax in His peace. See if this doesn’t make your crazy “to-do” list just a little more tolerable. Aren’t you ready to “rest in the LORD”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla was telling me how frazzled her daughter Molly is these days. Molly is the working, single mother of three children…and they are all going in different directions. She has been driving her oldest son to a night-time “band camp” this week to prepare for his entry into high school band next fall. The two younger children are involved in gymnastics classes. Marla said that when she visited recently, Molly’s kitchen table was littered with applications for a number of summer camps. She said, “It’s all about to drive Molly crazy!” And many of you can relate.
Even if you don’t have three children and a job, you may have a “to-do” list that seems insurmountable. I can remember days when I worked full-time and was so frazzled and exhausted by all that I had to accomplish that I woke up thinking, “If I can get through this day, in 10-12 hours, I can go back to bed!” Does this sound familiar?
What if our spiritual life was like this? In the Old Testament, we read about making blood sacrifices for our sins. If you think people in Biblical times had it easier, think again! They didn’t have cars, microwaves, smart phones, computers, or even running water (at least your average Joe didn’t!). So in addition to toting water…hunting and killing – or growing – their food…gathering fire wood…protecting their property and their physical body from the elements, predators and enemies… and even the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B…they had to select the purest lambs, carry them to the high priest, confess their sins, then kill the lamb with a knife and spill its blood in atonement! Whew! Makes me tired just to type all of this!
I’m thankful for all of our modern conveniences. But I am even more thankful for the blood of Jesus that bought and paid for my sins - once and for all. Now understand, this is not a “given”…we cannot just assume that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and go on with our merry lives. We must humbly confess before God that we are sinners. We must ask for His forgiveness. We must request the gift of eternal life by the blood of Jesus. THEN He will bestow it! And we’re not done…we still have obligations. We must be good stewards of our gift of Salvation in Jesus.
We have to live in a way that honors this gift and truly demonstrates our desire and efforts to enjoy a life free of sin. But “resting in the LORD” is so much more peaceful and soothing than constantly worrying and examining your life and rushing to a priest with a living sacrifice. Even more importantly, once we confess our sins and vow to follow Jesus, we are free of the “after-burden” of our sins. We don’t have to carry the added weight of picturing a precious lamb suffering, quite literally, under the knife of our transgressions…and the knowledge that we will have to repeat this act over and over and over throughout our lives.
Acceptance of Jesus’ gift of salvation allows us to rest in His love and to concentrate our time and energy on other things…like serving Him and loving others – and enjoying the new life that He has given us! Our new life in Christ won’t take all of the tasks off of our “to-do” list. We will still have jobs, spouses, kids, family obligations, civic duties, and ministries to tend. But we will not have the heavy burden of sin looming over our heads. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is HUGE!
Summer is a time when we often think of a slower, more relaxed pace…afternoons lounging in a porch swing or hammock…sunny days spent playing in the water…the fun and camaraderie of a baseball game…camps and vacations…and so much more. Let this summer be the one that you leave behind the burden of sin. Truly humble yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you…to wash you in the blood of His sacrifice…and be done with it, once and for all! Rest in His hope; relax in His peace. See if this doesn’t make your crazy “to-do” list just a little more tolerable. Aren’t you ready to “rest in the LORD”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 21, 2012
Luke 11:4
Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And keep us from being tempted.’”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Virtually everyone is thinking about the tragic shooting that occurred at Aurora, Colorado, yesterday. And how could you not? People are covering this story on every news media outlet – it’s all over social media. And the question of the day seems to be, “Why?” Why would someone do this? What drove them to such madness? How could someone who high school classmates described as an ordinary, albeit geeky nerd do such heinous things? What makes a seemingly brilliant student lose focus and become so dark and evil?
Before you jump straight to placing the blame on Satan, consider that it’s not quite that simple. I heard one analyst this morning describe this behavior as possibly being the result of “injustice collecting.” In other words, some people do not seem to react to “injustice” in their life… from what seems like the smallest insult to a much larger affront. Instead, these offenses build up… they are collected over time. Sometimes the person becomes sullen, withdrawn, and someone we might call an “angry old cuss.” But sometimes… this “collection” is so distressing that the person becomes totally unbalanced because of it… and he/she may react in a serious – if not violent – manner.
Either way, you can see that failure to forgive those who have wronged you can lead to some serious consequences. And yes, the devil will dance over this! We are all guilty of “injustice collecting” to some degree. There has been a point in all of our lives where we have said, “I’ve HAD it!” We’ve “blown our tops” and behaved disruptively… if only on a relatively small scale. But any time we do this, we have succumbed to the temptation to harbor our grudges or ill feelings – and allow them to fester.
This is a good time for all of us to stop and ask God to give us strength… to help us to operate in forgiveness… to let go of even the smallest offenses and grudges. Ask God to help you forgive quickly and move forward. Call on Him to remove any sense of irritation or unsettled feelings – and to help you operate in love and peace in every situation. Whenever you feel tempted to add an offense or injustice to your “collection,” stop and ask God to remove this desire. Never give the devil an inch – or a moment’s pleasure!
I will be the first in line to tell you that forgiveness is often hard. But there is no way we can ask God to pardon us if we are unwilling to do the same for others. I am so thankful that God doesn’t harbor my offenses toward Him. If I want His forgiveness – if I want to be more like Him - I can’t do this, either. What about you? Do you have an “injustice collection?” Isn’t this the perfect day to get rid of it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And keep us from being tempted.’”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Virtually everyone is thinking about the tragic shooting that occurred at Aurora, Colorado, yesterday. And how could you not? People are covering this story on every news media outlet – it’s all over social media. And the question of the day seems to be, “Why?” Why would someone do this? What drove them to such madness? How could someone who high school classmates described as an ordinary, albeit geeky nerd do such heinous things? What makes a seemingly brilliant student lose focus and become so dark and evil?
Before you jump straight to placing the blame on Satan, consider that it’s not quite that simple. I heard one analyst this morning describe this behavior as possibly being the result of “injustice collecting.” In other words, some people do not seem to react to “injustice” in their life… from what seems like the smallest insult to a much larger affront. Instead, these offenses build up… they are collected over time. Sometimes the person becomes sullen, withdrawn, and someone we might call an “angry old cuss.” But sometimes… this “collection” is so distressing that the person becomes totally unbalanced because of it… and he/she may react in a serious – if not violent – manner.
Either way, you can see that failure to forgive those who have wronged you can lead to some serious consequences. And yes, the devil will dance over this! We are all guilty of “injustice collecting” to some degree. There has been a point in all of our lives where we have said, “I’ve HAD it!” We’ve “blown our tops” and behaved disruptively… if only on a relatively small scale. But any time we do this, we have succumbed to the temptation to harbor our grudges or ill feelings – and allow them to fester.
This is a good time for all of us to stop and ask God to give us strength… to help us to operate in forgiveness… to let go of even the smallest offenses and grudges. Ask God to help you forgive quickly and move forward. Call on Him to remove any sense of irritation or unsettled feelings – and to help you operate in love and peace in every situation. Whenever you feel tempted to add an offense or injustice to your “collection,” stop and ask God to remove this desire. Never give the devil an inch – or a moment’s pleasure!
I will be the first in line to tell you that forgiveness is often hard. But there is no way we can ask God to pardon us if we are unwilling to do the same for others. I am so thankful that God doesn’t harbor my offenses toward Him. If I want His forgiveness – if I want to be more like Him - I can’t do this, either. What about you? Do you have an “injustice collection?” Isn’t this the perfect day to get rid of it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 26, 2012
1 John 3:7-10
Children, don't be fooled. Anyone who does right is good, just like Christ himself. Anyone who keeps on sinning belongs to the devil. He has sinned from the beginning, but the Son of God came to destroy all that he has done. God's children cannot keep on being sinful. His life-giving power lives in them and makes them his children, so that they cannot keep on sinning. You can tell God's children from the devil's children, because those who belong to the devil refuse to do right or to love each other.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On the reality TV show, “What Not to Wear,” the fashion experts take all of the clothing in a person’s closet and analyze each piece. Most, if not all of it, ends up in a symbolic trash can. The person with such poor fashion sense is told, “You can never wear this again.” A lot of these people protest, beg, plead, and even cry. They want to keep “just one thing,” for “old time’s sake”. But the fashion experts are insistent that the old things must go. When the person is “made over,” they usually comment that they would not want their old things in the closet again. They see how much better the “new person” they have become truly is… and often the transformation is internal as well as external.
In terms of our Christian faith, we have been “made over.” And many of us have tossed our “old life” into the trash can. The trouble is… a lot of us kept one or two things in the back of the closet… for sentimental reasons…out of fear… or “just because.” And we keep dragging these things back out from time to time and wearing them!
You may have read today’s passage and asked, “If God saved us through the blood of Jesus, why are we still bothered by the devil?” In my prayer journal/sermon notes, I have written that the word “destroy” is a Greek root word – luo – which means “to undo and loosen.” Jesus “loosed” us from the curse of sin. He did not “half-save” us… but He didn’t wipe it out the curse of sin, because we have to do that by choosing to follow God completely. It may seem like we are free from the bondage of sin, doing things our way and receiving blessings… but until we completely follow the will of God, we will never experience His full blessings.
If you want to be blessed, to prosper and fully lose the curses of your old sinful life, you must obey God’s word. You must ask Him to strengthen you with the courage to dump ALL of your old ways in the “trash can” and “dress yourself” in His grace, mercy, love, and righteousness.
Too many of us are bogged down by the baggage of old sins that we cannot seem to surrender. We often make excuses… “it’s always been this way”…”this is as good as it gets”…”this is all I deserve”…”I’m doing the best I can.” In truth, God has so much more He wants to give us… we deserve more as His heirs… and until we completely surrender to His will, we can do much more to draw closer to Him!
Ask God to show you how and where you need to shed roadblocks to living fully in His blessings. Listen for His answers. Trust Him to give you the strength and courage to take whatever steps are necessary… and put on His full armor. Dress yourself in the glory of the LORD, and get ready to be amazed by His blessings upon the “new you”… and the lives of those you encounter.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Children, don't be fooled. Anyone who does right is good, just like Christ himself. Anyone who keeps on sinning belongs to the devil. He has sinned from the beginning, but the Son of God came to destroy all that he has done. God's children cannot keep on being sinful. His life-giving power lives in them and makes them his children, so that they cannot keep on sinning. You can tell God's children from the devil's children, because those who belong to the devil refuse to do right or to love each other.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On the reality TV show, “What Not to Wear,” the fashion experts take all of the clothing in a person’s closet and analyze each piece. Most, if not all of it, ends up in a symbolic trash can. The person with such poor fashion sense is told, “You can never wear this again.” A lot of these people protest, beg, plead, and even cry. They want to keep “just one thing,” for “old time’s sake”. But the fashion experts are insistent that the old things must go. When the person is “made over,” they usually comment that they would not want their old things in the closet again. They see how much better the “new person” they have become truly is… and often the transformation is internal as well as external.
In terms of our Christian faith, we have been “made over.” And many of us have tossed our “old life” into the trash can. The trouble is… a lot of us kept one or two things in the back of the closet… for sentimental reasons…out of fear… or “just because.” And we keep dragging these things back out from time to time and wearing them!
You may have read today’s passage and asked, “If God saved us through the blood of Jesus, why are we still bothered by the devil?” In my prayer journal/sermon notes, I have written that the word “destroy” is a Greek root word – luo – which means “to undo and loosen.” Jesus “loosed” us from the curse of sin. He did not “half-save” us… but He didn’t wipe it out the curse of sin, because we have to do that by choosing to follow God completely. It may seem like we are free from the bondage of sin, doing things our way and receiving blessings… but until we completely follow the will of God, we will never experience His full blessings.
If you want to be blessed, to prosper and fully lose the curses of your old sinful life, you must obey God’s word. You must ask Him to strengthen you with the courage to dump ALL of your old ways in the “trash can” and “dress yourself” in His grace, mercy, love, and righteousness.
Too many of us are bogged down by the baggage of old sins that we cannot seem to surrender. We often make excuses… “it’s always been this way”…”this is as good as it gets”…”this is all I deserve”…”I’m doing the best I can.” In truth, God has so much more He wants to give us… we deserve more as His heirs… and until we completely surrender to His will, we can do much more to draw closer to Him!
Ask God to show you how and where you need to shed roadblocks to living fully in His blessings. Listen for His answers. Trust Him to give you the strength and courage to take whatever steps are necessary… and put on His full armor. Dress yourself in the glory of the LORD, and get ready to be amazed by His blessings upon the “new you”… and the lives of those you encounter.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 13, 2011
John 17:13-23
Now I'm returning to you. I'm saying these things in the world's hearing so my people can experience my joy completed in them. I gave them your word; the godless world hated them because of it, because they didn't join the world's ways, just as I didn't join the world's ways. I'm not asking that you take them out of the world but that you guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world than I am defined by the world. Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I'm consecrating myself for their sakes so they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
I'm praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are—I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Recently I told you about watching a television program called “Our America with Lisa Ling,” which documented the experiences of veterans with PTSD who were attending a week-long therapy retreat in New Mexico. I was struck by the words of a Native American “Medicine Man” to one of the veterans… “You did what you were supposed to do. This is not on you.” These words truly struck a chord with me, because so often, we do all God is calling us to do in a specific situation… yet we feel like we need to do more. We become mired in guilt and frustration and fail to recognize that often, we must step away in order for God to finish the job.
Jesus is saying in this passage, “I have done what I came to earth to do. I have nurtured these Disciples and given them the foundation and tools to grow in Your love… now it is time for God to take over. He will equip these believers to witness to others. He will strengthen them and meet their daily needs.” Notice that Jesus continues to pray for these people, but He does not anguish over what is beyond His control… and He does not try to do God’s work for Him.
I don’t know what is happening in your life. I know that it is human nature to give our concerns to God… then pick them up again. We lack faith… our trust in God is often shallow. Today, I feel quite certain you have something that you need to give to God. It may be a friend or family member… it may be a co-worker or classmate. Maybe you are working and studying as hard as you can in a difficult class, and you need to ask God to make the difference and bless your efforts. Maybe you have spread yourself as thinly as you can to help this cause and another… and it’s time to take a breath and let God work and multiply your service. Maybe you have carried a burden of guilt and shame over a situation that you supposedly gave to God a long time ago… but you keep picking it back up and stewing about it over and again.
Today is the day to ask God… “Have I done all I can in this instance? Is it time to let go and trust You to do the rest?” This is the time to stop berating yourself over things you were never supposed to accomplish on your own… to ask God to “take it from here.” In some way/shape/form, you have done all you can do… you have done your part… now it’s time to let God do His. Are you ready to do this?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Now I'm returning to you. I'm saying these things in the world's hearing so my people can experience my joy completed in them. I gave them your word; the godless world hated them because of it, because they didn't join the world's ways, just as I didn't join the world's ways. I'm not asking that you take them out of the world but that you guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world than I am defined by the world. Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I'm consecrating myself for their sakes so they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
I'm praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are—I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Recently I told you about watching a television program called “Our America with Lisa Ling,” which documented the experiences of veterans with PTSD who were attending a week-long therapy retreat in New Mexico. I was struck by the words of a Native American “Medicine Man” to one of the veterans… “You did what you were supposed to do. This is not on you.” These words truly struck a chord with me, because so often, we do all God is calling us to do in a specific situation… yet we feel like we need to do more. We become mired in guilt and frustration and fail to recognize that often, we must step away in order for God to finish the job.
Jesus is saying in this passage, “I have done what I came to earth to do. I have nurtured these Disciples and given them the foundation and tools to grow in Your love… now it is time for God to take over. He will equip these believers to witness to others. He will strengthen them and meet their daily needs.” Notice that Jesus continues to pray for these people, but He does not anguish over what is beyond His control… and He does not try to do God’s work for Him.
I don’t know what is happening in your life. I know that it is human nature to give our concerns to God… then pick them up again. We lack faith… our trust in God is often shallow. Today, I feel quite certain you have something that you need to give to God. It may be a friend or family member… it may be a co-worker or classmate. Maybe you are working and studying as hard as you can in a difficult class, and you need to ask God to make the difference and bless your efforts. Maybe you have spread yourself as thinly as you can to help this cause and another… and it’s time to take a breath and let God work and multiply your service. Maybe you have carried a burden of guilt and shame over a situation that you supposedly gave to God a long time ago… but you keep picking it back up and stewing about it over and again.
Today is the day to ask God… “Have I done all I can in this instance? Is it time to let go and trust You to do the rest?” This is the time to stop berating yourself over things you were never supposed to accomplish on your own… to ask God to “take it from here.” In some way/shape/form, you have done all you can do… you have done your part… now it’s time to let God do His. Are you ready to do this?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 9, 2011
Psalm 130:1-5
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you. With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I watched a program called “Our America with Lisa Ling” about veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome – PTSD for short. These men and women harbor troubling – even horrific – images and memories of their wartime experiences. One man had been building up anger, rage and frustration for eight years… and taking aim at his wife and children with the emotions that overflowed. Yet he could not express himself… he could not explain what was causing him to be such an ogre. His wife was at a crossroads… should she and the children stay and be subjected to this rage - or should they leave?
The couple spent a week at a retreat in Angel Fire, New Mexico, where therapists specialize in helping veterans with PTSD. Ultimately, this man was able to express his emotions. He had served as a medic in Iraq. When the fighting ended, the civilians began to come to the medics for treatment. They were badly burned, maimed, missing limbs, and more. This man said he did all he could to treat as many as possible. But at the end of the day, many returned home untreated. There was nothing he could do for them. He said he could still see their faces… the emptiness in their eyes… their hopelessness. He said he knew that many of the children he was unable to help went home to die. And he felt guilty.
It took a lot of intensive work to get this man to release his burdens, but he was able to do it… to forgive himself and realize that he did all he could. As one therapist told him, “It’s not on you.” The veteran was able to understand this and acknowledge it… to forgive himself, and to apologize to his wife and family. He was able to accept – and love – himself again… which enabled him to love others.
So many of us are suffering from Spiritual PTSD. We are carrying burdens and sins that Jesus has already forgiven. We should let go of them… but we continue to keep a record, long after Jesus has scattered them to the four winds with His blood on the cross. If we are truly committed to Christ… if we really have invited Him to be LORD of our life and asked His Holy Spirit to dwell within us… we must express our sins and burdens to Him – then let them go. We must love and accept ourselves as Jesus does… so that we can love others in His name.
I don’t know what your “sea of troubles” is today. I don’t know what burdens are weighing you down – what sins you keep picking back up and carrying like a sack of rocks. But I do know that Jesus is waiting to relieve you of all of this. It will take a huge leap of faith on your part – and mine. It’s daunting to truly “let go and let God,” because we have gotten so used to carrying this baggage with us. Even uncomfortable/unpleasant things can become part of our “Comfort Zone,” because they are so familiar.
Today can be the first day for a new Comfort Zone in your life… one where Jesus rules and carries the big stuff, so that you are free to serve Him completely. You can love yourself and others… and do big things in His name. Worship the LORD who carries our “sea of troubles” – and scatters them. Shred the “record books” of your sins and burdens, and operate in faith and the promises of our forgiving and merciful Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you. With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I watched a program called “Our America with Lisa Ling” about veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome – PTSD for short. These men and women harbor troubling – even horrific – images and memories of their wartime experiences. One man had been building up anger, rage and frustration for eight years… and taking aim at his wife and children with the emotions that overflowed. Yet he could not express himself… he could not explain what was causing him to be such an ogre. His wife was at a crossroads… should she and the children stay and be subjected to this rage - or should they leave?
The couple spent a week at a retreat in Angel Fire, New Mexico, where therapists specialize in helping veterans with PTSD. Ultimately, this man was able to express his emotions. He had served as a medic in Iraq. When the fighting ended, the civilians began to come to the medics for treatment. They were badly burned, maimed, missing limbs, and more. This man said he did all he could to treat as many as possible. But at the end of the day, many returned home untreated. There was nothing he could do for them. He said he could still see their faces… the emptiness in their eyes… their hopelessness. He said he knew that many of the children he was unable to help went home to die. And he felt guilty.
It took a lot of intensive work to get this man to release his burdens, but he was able to do it… to forgive himself and realize that he did all he could. As one therapist told him, “It’s not on you.” The veteran was able to understand this and acknowledge it… to forgive himself, and to apologize to his wife and family. He was able to accept – and love – himself again… which enabled him to love others.
So many of us are suffering from Spiritual PTSD. We are carrying burdens and sins that Jesus has already forgiven. We should let go of them… but we continue to keep a record, long after Jesus has scattered them to the four winds with His blood on the cross. If we are truly committed to Christ… if we really have invited Him to be LORD of our life and asked His Holy Spirit to dwell within us… we must express our sins and burdens to Him – then let them go. We must love and accept ourselves as Jesus does… so that we can love others in His name.
I don’t know what your “sea of troubles” is today. I don’t know what burdens are weighing you down – what sins you keep picking back up and carrying like a sack of rocks. But I do know that Jesus is waiting to relieve you of all of this. It will take a huge leap of faith on your part – and mine. It’s daunting to truly “let go and let God,” because we have gotten so used to carrying this baggage with us. Even uncomfortable/unpleasant things can become part of our “Comfort Zone,” because they are so familiar.
Today can be the first day for a new Comfort Zone in your life… one where Jesus rules and carries the big stuff, so that you are free to serve Him completely. You can love yourself and others… and do big things in His name. Worship the LORD who carries our “sea of troubles” – and scatters them. Shred the “record books” of your sins and burdens, and operate in faith and the promises of our forgiving and merciful Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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